Sense and Sensibility :: Literary Analysis, Jane Austen

Benevolent, willing, and knowledgeableare all characteristics of Elinor Dashwood. Authors often use characteristics of characters to portray them as imperative pieces of the plot. In Jane Austens Sense and Sensibility, Elinor is shown as an important character through her compassion towards others and her willingness to help her family through difficult situations. Readers first see Elinors importance to the saucy through her compassion towards Colonel Brandon, John Willoughby, and Edward Ferrars. When Colonel Brandon came into her life she treated him with very little compassion but as time went on Elinors compassion for him change magnitude (47). Her compassion radiates through her determination to always engage in a conversation with him and talk to Elinor, who often derived more satisfaction from conversing with him than from any other quotidian occurrence (145). Throughout the novel the readers see that Elinor dislikes Willoughby but after he breaks Mariannes dislike turns i nto abhor. However, when Willoughby comes to Cleveland to apologize and explain, Elinors kindling, which had undergone many changes in the course of this remarkable conversation, was now softened again (292). Elinor has to deal with her own pain and hurt from her rejection. When they return home from Cleveland Edward arrives and asks for for disposed(p)ess. Elinor bestows compassion upon Edward in the form of accepting his marriage intention and then marrying him The first month after Edward and Elinors marriage (336). Through her compassion towards these three characters readers see the importance of her presence in the novel.Next the readers see how Elinor volitionally helps her sister get through adversities in her life. Elinor was to be the comforter of others in her own distresses, no less than in theirs and all the comfort that could be given by assurances of her own composure of mind (228). So therefore, Elinor unselfishly puts aside her emotions to comfort Marianne after Willoughby rejects her and breaks her heart Whatwhile attending me in all my misery, has this been your heart? (229). Marianne realizes that Elinor has known about Edwards engagement to Lucy, but she chose to put it behind her in order to comfort her. This pain has been weighing Elinors heart for quaternary months, which makes it even harder for Marianne to understand. Four monthscried Marianne againso calmso cheerfulhow have you been supported? (229). Elinors answer to this inquiry shows clearly why she chose to be selfless and conceal her pain and I owed it to my family and friends, not to create in them a solicitude about me (229).